Author Topic: Blu-ray News (Read 161195 times)

Mouldingo · « **Reply #180 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 07:46 AM »

MGM Is Back with Jeepers Creepers 2

MGM will be releasing 'Jeepers Creepers 2' for Blu-ray on September 11th, according to The Digital Bits. No specs have been announced at this time. As you may recall, MGM (along with their distributor 20th Century Fox) have been on Blu-ray hiatus since AACS was cracked many months ago. It now appears Fox is ready to get back in the game.

According to the Bits, Fox commented that they will be back soon and "in a big way". The forth quarter will be a huge push by Blu-ray studios, and it appears Fox is getting back in at the right time.

Source

pchin · « **Reply #181 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 07:55 AM »

Quote from: Mouldingo on Jul 26, 2007 at 07:30 AM

I heard some HD DVD guy here is finally going BD because of this....

FUNimation Jumps Into Blu-ray with 'Dragonball Z'

Dam...not this too...

kings5504 · « **Reply #182 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 08:32 AM »

Quote from: Mouldingo on Jul 26, 2007 at 07:34 AM

Warner Announces Quartet of Kubrick Classics for Blu-ray, HD DVD

Best news I've heard all day. I was actually watching my 2001 DVD last week and was hoping that they'd release this on HD soon. What I didn't expect was that we'd be getting The Shining and A Clockwork Orange at the same time! I can't wait!

nels76 · « **Reply #183 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 02:17 PM »

First Blockbuster. Now Target.

Target to Promote Blu-Ray DVD Format
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/25/ap3952696.html

aeris30 · « **Reply #184 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 07:11 PM »

from HomeMediaMagazine.Com:

Sony Has 'Close Encounters' on Blu-ray and DVD

Author: THOMAS K. ARNOLD
[email protected]
Posted: July 26, 2007
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'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
Steven Spielberg’s landmark film Close Encounters of the Third Kind is coming to DVD ($39.95) and Blu-ray Disc ($49.95) Nov. 13, four days shy of the 30th anniversary of its 1977 theatrical opening.

The Sony Pictures Home Entertainment release marks the first time a Spielberg movie has been issued on high-definition disc, and also is the first home video release of all three versions of the film: the 1977 original theatrical cut, the re-edited 1980 theatrical special edition, and Spielberg’s director’s cut, released in 1998.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition also includes a new interview with Spielberg specially created for this release, a retrospective documentary, and, exclusive to the 50GB Blu-ray Disc edition, new “storyboard-to-scene” comparisons and the original 1977 “Watch the Skies” featurette.

Through a process known as “seamless branching,” the Blu-ray version contains all three films on a single disc. The process identifies the differences between each version of the film, segments the footage and then arranges it into three unique playlists, so that footage used in all three films is only included on the disc once — minimizing space requirements.

“When Steven Spielberg first released his iconic masterpiece, it was universally hailed for both its cutting-edge technological effects and its compelling message of hope,” says David Bishop, president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. “Now, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its release, it seems only appropriate to make all three versions of the film available on the most advanced high-definition format available, Blu-ray Disc, which will add yet another new and thrilling dimension to this timeless film.”

Close Encounters was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including best director, but only won one, for best cinematography. The Academy did give a special achievement award to Frank Warner for sound effects editing.

The original theatrical cut of the film opened in 1977 and has never been released on video. Three years later, Spielberg released a re-edited version of the film, first to theaters and then to videocassette, in which he deleted several smaller scenes and added others, including a sequence showing Richard Dreyfuss inside the alien mother ship at the end of the film. In 1998, Spielberg made more changes to the film, but restored the original ending, and Close Encounters went back out to theaters as well as DVD.

aeris30 · « **Reply #185 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 07:22 PM »

from HomeMediaMagazine.com:

Disney's Third 'Pirates' Installment Coming to Video Dec. 4
Author: THOMAS K. ARNOLD
[email protected]
Posted: July 26, 2007
Email this Story to Friend

The third “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie has become the first of the big summer theatrical blockbusters to be slotted for home video release in the fourth quarter.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, which since its May 27 theatrical opening has grossed more than $301 million in U.S. theaters and a total of more than $946 million worldwide, will arrive on DVD and Blu-ray Disc Dec. 4, according to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

The official announcement, expected to be made today at San Diego Comic-Con International, doesn’t come as much of a surprise, industry observers say. Disney is following the same strategy it successfully employed with the first two “Pirates” movies, which also were released on DVD in December at the tail end of the fourth quarter.

In each case, skeptics wondered whether such a late date would let the DVD pick up sufficient traction before the holidays hit, but each time Disney’s gamble that impulse buying and pent-up demand would send sales numbers through the roof paid off. Last December, consumers picked up 10.5 million DVDs of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest in a single week, the biggest first-week tally of any DVD release that year. Three years earlier, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, also a December release, moved 11 million videos its first week in stores, 90% of them on DVD.

“Pirates” No. 3 didn’t fare as well at the box office as its two predecessors. The first “Pirates” grossed $305.4 million in U.S. theaters, while the second film in the franchise arrived on video with a domestic theatrical pedigree of $423 million. But Bob Chapek, president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, is hoping for another sales record, particularly since the film will make its home video debut in three different versions: a single-disc DVD, a two-disc special edition DVD, and a high-definition Blu-ray Disc, the next-generation format rapidly building up steam among consumers.

“This December we’re thrilled to be giving ‘Pirates’ fans even more to cheer about as we bring the biggest worldwide box office hit of 2007 to DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc,” Chapek said. “Both versions will be loaded with stunning bonus materials that will make ‘Pirates’ the perfect gift this holiday.”

Indeed, both the two-disc “Pirates” DVD and the two-disc, 75GB Blu-ray Disc edition come with hours of bloopers and other extras, including a detailed breakdown of the “Maelstrom” sequence, a documentary on the history of piracy and the pirate code, a look at the relationship between Keith Richards and Johnny Depp; five individual documentaries on the film’s design teams, and featurettes on the special effects used to create multiple Captain Jacks; composer Hans Zimmer, who provided the score; Chow Yun-Fat, who plays the devious Captain Sao Feng; and the legendary Pirate Lords and their costume designs, origins and personalities.

The Blu-ray Disc edition also contains an interactive exploration of the “Maelstrom” battle sequence between the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchman, with its groundbreaking blend of live-action footage and computer-aided special effects. The BD-Java feature, developed and produced by Disney and programmed by the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, lets viewers explore the Palmdale, Calif. hangar that housed the ships and sets, with in-feature pop-ups and icons that reveal multimedia content about how the maelstrom was created, from set construction to special effects. They can either explore the set on their own or take an hour-long tour hosted by film producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Bruckheimer said the shoot was “so real [it helped the actors] get into character.” “On the other hand, they were pelted with 60-mile-an-hour winds and water and had stuff thrown at them,” he said.

Bruckheimer said he is a big fan of Blu-ray. He also had a hand in many of the extras on the discs, including the behind-the-scenes explorations of the movie-making process.

“I think the audience likes to see how things are made,” he said.

Mouldingo · « **Reply #186 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 11:08 PM »

Specs Revealed for Blade Runner at Comic Con

Warner Home Video has revealed the specs for the upcoming 5-dics Blu-ray edition of 'Blade Runner', which is to feature all five cuts of the film, including a brand new cut which director Ridley Scott is finishing in post-production right now. No price has yet to be set for the release, but it is due on store shelves December 18th.

A limited edition will be available to collectors, and will come packaged in a case which looks similar to Rick Deckard's own briefcase. Inside the case (which will be individually numbered) will be a frame of the original film, a miniature unicorn origami figurine, a miniature replica spinner car, a collector's photograph, and a letter from director Ridley Scott.

Details of contents of the Blu-ray edition:

Disc One:

RIDLEY SCOTT'S ALL-NEW "FINAL CUT" VERSION OF THE FILM

Restored and remastered with added & extended scenes, added lines, new and cleaner special effects and all new 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio. Also includes:

Commentary by Ridley Scott

Commentary by Executive Producer/ Co-Screenwriter Hampton Fancher and Co-Screenwriter David Peoples; Producer Michael Deely and production executive Katherine Haber

Commentaries by visual futurist Syd Mead; production designer Lawrence G. Paull, art director David L. Snyder and special photographic effects supervisors Douglas Trumbull, Richard Yuricich and David Dryer

Disc Two:

DOCUMENTARY DANGEROUS DAYS: MAKING BLADE RUNNER
A feature-length authoritative documentary revealing all the elements that shaped this hugely influential cinema landmark. Cast, crew, critics and colleagues give a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the film -- from its literary roots and inception through casting, production, visuals and special effects to its controversial legacy and place in Hollywood history.

Disc Three:

1982 THEATRICAL VERSION
This is the version that introduced U.S. movie-going audiences to a revolutionary film with a new and excitingly provocative vision of the near-future. It contains Deckard/Harrison Ford's character narration and has Deckard and Rachel's (Sean Young) “happy ending” escape scene.

1982 INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Also used on U.S. home video, laserdisc and cable releases up to 1992. This version is not rated, and contains some extended action scenes in contrast to the Theatrical Version.

1992 DIRECTOR'S CUT
The Director's Cut omits Deckard's voiceover narration and removes the "happy ending" finale. It adds the famously-controversial "unicorn" sequence, a vision that Deckard has which suggests that he, too, may be a replicant.

Disc Four:

BONUS DISC - “Enhancement Archive”

Featurette The Electric Dreamer: Remembering Philip K. Dick

Featurette Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel vs. The Film

Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews (Audio)

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep Cover Gallery (Images)

The Art of Blade Runner (Image Galleries)

Featurette Signs of the Times: Graphic Design

Featurette Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling

Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris

Featurette The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth

Unit Photography Gallery

Deleted & Alternate Scenes

1982 Promotional Featurettes

Trailers & TV Spots

Featurette Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art

Marketing & Merchandise Gallery (Images)

Featurette Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard

Featurette Nexus Generation: Fans & Filmmakers

Disc 5:

WORKPRINT VERSION (newly remastered)
This rare version of the film is considered by some to be the most radically different of all the Blade Runner cuts. It includes an altered opening scene, no Deckard narration until the final scenes, no "unicorn" sequence, no Deckard/Rachel "happy ending,” altered lines between Batty (Rutger Hauer) and his creator Tyrell (Joe Turkell), alternate music and much more.

Commentary by Paul M. Sammon, author of Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner

Featurette All Our Variant Futures: From Workprint to Final Cut

Source

Mouldingo · « **Reply #187 on:** Jul 26, 2007 at 11:11 PM »

'Twilight Zone: The Movie' Bound for HD DVD, Blu-ray This October

After a ten-year absence, Warner Home Video is finally bringing 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' to disc in a cross format release to that will hit standard DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD this October.

Despite being one of Warner's most highly-requested catalogue titles on DVD, the 1983 big-screen anthology -- featuring four segments directed by superstar filmmakers John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante and George Miller -- hasn't been released on standard-def disc for over ten years.

Though the studio has not publicly commented on the decade-long 'Twilight Zone' DVD blackout, the delay has long been attributed to the film's tragic reputation following deadly accident that claimed the lives of actor Vic Morrow and two adolescent extras during production.

Now, TVShowsonDVD has the scoop that Warner is finally ready to lift the 'Twilight Zone' shroud and debut the controversial film simultaneously on Blu-ray, HD DVD and standard-def DVD October 9. Warner has set a suggested $28.95 MSRP for the Blu-ray and HD DVD editions.

No specs or supplemental details are known yet for the next-gen releases, but we'll certainly keep you posted.

In the meantime, we've added listings for 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' to both our Blu-ray Release Schedule and HD DVD Release Schedule, under October 9.

We've also set up dedicated threads for the announcement in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' Blu-ray release and the 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' HD DVD release.

Source

ThePatriot · « **Reply #188 on:** Jul 27, 2007 at 12:59 AM »

from www.blu-ray.com:

Paramount Postpones Zodiac Indefinitely
Posted July 26, 2007 by Josh

Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment has revealed that they are postponing the release of the David Fincher thriller 'Zodiac' indefinitely. The reason cited was that Paramount wants to create a special edition version for the high definition release. We'll keep an eye on this highly anticipated hidef title.

pchin · « **Reply #189 on:** Jul 27, 2007 at 07:59 AM »

Quote from: Mouldingo on Jul 26, 2007 at 11:08 PM

Specs Revealed for Blade Runner at Comic Con

Warner Home Video has revealed the specs for the upcoming 5-dics Blu-ray edition of 'Blade Runner', which is to feature all five cuts of the film, including a brand new cut which director Ridley Scott is finishing in post-production right now. No price has yet to be set for the release, but it is due on store shelves December 18th.

Wow...the 'Blade Runner: Ultimate Collector's Edition'!!

Actually it also include HD DVD.

"After months of anticipation, Warner Home Video has finally unveiled full specs and a street date for 'Blade Runner: Ultimate Collector's Edition' on Blu-ray and HD DVD."

Source

pchin · « **Reply #190 on:** Jul 27, 2007 at 08:02 AM »

Paramount Unveils 'Star Trek: The Original Series' HD DVD Details

Be prepared to boldly go where no early adopter has gone before when Paramount Home Entertainment debuts 'Star Trek: The Original Series' on HD DVD this November.

Due in stores on November 10 as a HD DVD/DVD combo release, the entire 'Original Series' will come packaged as a massive ten-disc box set collection.

'Star Trek: The Original Series' will come housed in a special collectible "futuristic clear case," and will retail for a suggested list price of $217.99.

Full article

skylynx888 · « **Reply #191 on:** Jul 27, 2007 at 08:34 AM »

Check this out guys

Thieves choose Blu-ray over HD DVD in mass disc heist

The high definition format war took an unexpected twist Sunday morning, when a group of thieves broke into a video store. What they took -- every Blu-ray movie in stock -- isn't as interesting as what they left behind. The gang ignored the HD DVD selection entirely, apparently deciding that only the BDA's baby was worth a five finger discount. Blockbuster choosing Blu-ray for its nationwide rollout is one thing, but being ignored when the price of acquisition is the low low price of free is a reality check for any fledgling standard. We suppose such early morning escapades are one way to build your library after getting the now lower-priced PS3, but it's not recommended. No word yet on if HD DVD fans are planning a coordinated group theft to reestablish the popularity of their chosen format.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/25/thieves-choose-blu-ray-over-hd-dvd-in-mass-disc-heist/

pchin · « **Reply #192 on:** Jul 28, 2007 at 08:30 AM »

Warner Sets Date For 'Return to House on Haunted Hill' on Blu-ray, HD DVD

Warner Home Video has announced full specs for the direct-to-video spook-sequel 'Return to House on Haunted Hill,' which is set to arrive on Blu-ray and HD DVD just in time for Halloween.

As originally announced last month, 'Return to House on Haunted Hill' will be the first in a pact between Warner and Dark Castle Entertainment to produce a series of new direct-to-DVD premiere horror titles.

Additional extras on both high-def releases will include an even more gruesome Unrated cut of the film, a making-of featurette, additional scenes, a music video, and "Character Confessions: Return to House on Haunted Hill Confessionals."

Full article

pchin · « **Reply #193 on:** Jul 28, 2007 at 08:33 AM »

Complete 'Heroes: Season One' HD DVD Specs Revealed

....the seven-disc HD DVD set will feature all of the supplements from the standard-def release (including a never-before-seen 73-minute version of the premiere episode, fifty Deleted and Extended scenes, and various featurettes), plus a suite of high-def extras.

Included among the HD DVD exclusives will be a Picture-in-Picture Cast & Crew Commentary (on eight episodes); a "Character Connections" feature, which will allow viewers to isolate scenes featuring their favorite Heroes; an interactive "Helix Revealed" to help fans spot the hidden symbol as it appears in scenes from the show; plus an Artwork Presentation, providing the ability to examine art from the show in detail.

Full article

Mouldingo · « **Reply #194 on:** Jul 28, 2007 at 07:10 PM »

Pixar Short Films Collection Dated

Buena Vista Home Entertainment has announced that the 'Pixar Short Films Collection' will make its way onto Blu-ray this November 6th. This disc will feature all 13 of the Pixar short films, including those which premier before Pixar films, and those that can be found on every Pixar DVD release. These shorts will be available for the first time in high definition. No specs have been released at this time.

Source

Mouldingo · « **Reply #195 on:** Jul 28, 2007 at 07:13 PM »

Lost: Season 3 on Blu-ray

Buena Vista Home Entertainment has confirmed that 'Lost: Season 3' will be coming to Blu-ray on December 11th, day and date with the DVD set. You may recall that this title was announced a few months back in a news article, before being denied by Disney. More details are to follow.

Source

Mouldingo · « **Reply #196 on:** Jul 28, 2007 at 07:15 PM »

Surf’s Up Comes to Blu-ray

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced that the animated film 'Surf's Up' will come to Blu-ray on October 9th, day and date with the DVD release. No specs have been announced at this time, but special features will include a three-part documentary on the making of the film, audio commentary, a music video, and more.

Complete Article

Mouldingo · « **Reply #197 on:** Jul 28, 2007 at 07:25 PM »

Target isn't Blu-ray exclusive at all, but BJ's Wholesale might be

Apparently Target's claim that they were "not proclaiming one format vs. the other as the preferred consumer technology" didn't resonate quickly enough to slow the "Target is going Blu-ray exclusive ZOMG" shockwave around the world yesterday. The HD DVD PR team sent us a statement from Universal Studios VP Ken Graffeo stating the deal amounted only to an "end cap" purchased by Sony putting its BDP-S300 in stores. Meanwhile Toshiba's HD DVD player will remain in Target's website, just as the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on and HD DVD movies will stay in Target stores, they appear to have been rather unceremoniously dropped by smaller regional chain BJ's Wholesale Club, according to VideoBusiness. No official word from the chain itself, but the usual "sources" from the retailer and several Hollywood studios indicated all 170 stores would be Blu-ray only by the fourth quarter. Just like the BDA's CES victory proclamation, this likely isn't the end... just yet.

Source

Mouldingo · « **Reply #198 on:** Jul 31, 2007 at 07:57 AM »

Sony Serves Up the Blu-ray Carnage with 'Hostel' Double-Header

Welcome to the grindhouse: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced it will bring unrated versions of 'Hostel' and 'Hostel: Part II' to Blu-ray this October.

Just in time for Halloween, the controversial gore epics will make their Blu-ray debut on October 23, each including material even more shocking than its original theatrical versions.

Though 'Hostel II' failed to scare up the $50 million-plus domestic gross of its predecessor -- leading many to now suggest that the box office appeal of so-called "torture porn" is on the wane -- Sony is certainly pulling out all the stops in bringing the two films to high-def.

Oozing with extras, both 'Hostel' and 'Hostel: Part II' will include no fewer than three audio commentaries apiece, plus multiple making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, and more.

The first 'Hostel' will also feature the film's original ending, which was only seen during the film's original test screenings and is now much sought-after by die-hard 'Hostel' fans, and which director Eli Roth had this tantalizing tidbit to say at last week's ComiCon in San Diego:

"When you watch the director's cut ending -- this is the ending that could actually support a completely different sequel. We showed it to audiences and people just left the theatre genuinely upset and so we always said that we wanted people to be disturbed, but not, you know, ruined."

Additional tech specs include 1080p transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround tracks (48kHz/16-bit/6.9mpbs) on both discs.

Sony has set a suggested list price of $28.95 apiece for 'Hostel' and 'Hostel: Part II.' The studio has not yet indicated whether any sort of two-pack or box set collection of both titles will be made available.

Source

Mouldingo · « **Reply #199 on:** Jul 31, 2007 at 08:08 AM »

Japan's Adult Industry Given Access to Blu-ray

While the effect of adult films on the format war may be a heavily contested, the fact remains that there is a huge demand for this type of material. In Japan, the ability to release adult material on Blu-ray just got a whole lot easier. Assist Corp, who has handled most of the early adult Blu-ray content in Japan, has partnered with a company based in Taiwan to begin replication of adult titles. They are expected to begin production next month.

Sony has long mandated that, while they will not allow their own production facilities to replicate adult material, they will assist any company which wants to do so. With the addition of this new production facility (which purchased the manufacturing equipment directly from Sony), adult content producers now have an additional outlet to manufacturer their features in high definition.

Source

pchin · « **Reply #200 on:** Jul 31, 2007 at 08:20 AM »

'Sopranos: Season 6, Part 2' Gets HD DVD, Blu-ray Date this October

Tony Soprano will take his curtain call on high-def this October, when Warner/HBO Home Video debuts 'The Sopranos: Season 6, Part 2' on Blu-ray and HD DVD.

The highly-acclaimed, Emmy-award winning HBO series -- which recently concluded its sixth and final season to big ratings this past spring -- will see its final bow hit high-def def on October 23.

Tech specs include 1080p transfers in 1.78:1 widescreen (audio details are not yet available).

Extras include audio commentaries with cast and crew on four episodes, a featurette focusing on the film's music, and a "mockumentary" on the horror-film-within-a-show "Cleaver."

Retail pricing has not yet been set for 'The Sopranos: Season 6, Part 2,' but we'll keep you posted.

Source

pchin · « **Reply #201 on:** Jul 31, 2007 at 08:27 PM »

Warner to Re-Issue 'Full Metal Jacket' in New 'Deluxe Edition' Blu-ray, HD DVD

Warner Home Video has confirmed to us that they will be re-issuing the Stanley Kubrick classic 'Full Metal Jacket' in a new "Deluxe Edition" on Blu-ray and HD DVD this October.

'Full Metal Jacket' was initially released on both next-gen formats in 2006, in feature-starved editions that were met with generally tepid reaction from early adopters and reviewers.

When Warnerunveiled plans last week for first-ever next-gen special editions of four other Kubrick classics due October 23 -- including 'A Clockwork Orange,' 'The Shining,' 'Eyes Wide Shut' and '2001: A Space Odyssey' -- 'Full Metal Jacket' was originally absent from that list, but as several eagle-eyed readers pointed out to us over the weekend, the studio has quietly added listings for a 'Full Metal Jacket: Deluxe Edition' to its list of press materials for its upcoming Kubrick collection.

The re-issue of 'Jacket' will join the quartet of other Kubrick releases hitting high-def on October 23, though no tech specs were immediately available on what (if any) elements of the release will receive an upgrade.

Source

ThePatriot · « **Reply #202 on:** Jul 31, 2007 at 11:51 PM »

Quote from: aeris30 on Jul 26, 2007 at 07:22 PM

from HomeMediaMagazine.com:

Disney's Third 'Pirates' Installment Coming to Video Dec. 4
Author: THOMAS K. ARNOLD
[email protected]
Posted: July 26, 2007
Email this Story to Friend

The third “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie has become the first of the big summer theatrical blockbusters to be slotted for home video release in the fourth quarter.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, which since its May 27 theatrical opening has grossed more than $301 million in U.S. theaters and a total of more than $946 million worldwide, will arrive on DVD and Blu-ray Disc Dec. 4, according to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

The official announcement, expected to be made today at San Diego Comic-Con International, doesn’t come as much of a surprise, industry observers say. Disney is following the same strategy it successfully employed with the first two “Pirates” movies, which also were released on DVD in December at the tail end of the fourth quarter.

In each case, skeptics wondered whether such a late date would let the DVD pick up sufficient traction before the holidays hit, but each time Disney’s gamble that impulse buying and pent-up demand would send sales numbers through the roof paid off. Last December, consumers picked up 10.5 million DVDs of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest in a single week, the biggest first-week tally of any DVD release that year. Three years earlier, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, also a December release, moved 11 million videos its first week in stores, 90% of them on DVD.

“Pirates” No. 3 didn’t fare as well at the box office as its two predecessors. The first “Pirates” grossed $305.4 million in U.S. theaters, while the second film in the franchise arrived on video with a domestic theatrical pedigree of $423 million. But Bob Chapek, president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, is hoping for another sales record, particularly since the film will make its home video debut in three different versions: a single-disc DVD, a two-disc special edition DVD, and a high-definition Blu-ray Disc, the next-generation format rapidly building up steam among consumers.

“This December we’re thrilled to be giving ‘Pirates’ fans even more to cheer about as we bring the biggest worldwide box office hit of 2007 to DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc,” Chapek said. “Both versions will be loaded with stunning bonus materials that will make ‘Pirates’ the perfect gift this holiday.”

Indeed, both the two-disc “Pirates” DVD and the two-disc, 75GB Blu-ray Disc edition come with hours of bloopers and other extras, including a detailed breakdown of the “Maelstrom” sequence, a documentary on the history of piracy and the pirate code, a look at the relationship between Keith Richards and Johnny Depp; five individual documentaries on the film’s design teams, and featurettes on the special effects used to create multiple Captain Jacks; composer Hans Zimmer, who provided the score; Chow Yun-Fat, who plays the devious Captain Sao Feng; and the legendary Pirate Lords and their costume designs, origins and personalities.

The Blu-ray Disc edition also contains an interactive exploration of the “Maelstrom” battle sequence between the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchman, with its groundbreaking blend of live-action footage and computer-aided special effects. The BD-Java feature, developed and produced by Disney and programmed by the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, lets viewers explore the Palmdale, Calif. hangar that housed the ships and sets, with in-feature pop-ups and icons that reveal multimedia content about how the maelstrom was created, from set construction to special effects. They can either explore the set on their own or take an hour-long tour hosted by film producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Bruckheimer said the shoot was “so real [it helped the actors] get into character.” “On the other hand, they were pelted with 60-mile-an-hour winds and water and had stuff thrown at them,” he said.

Bruckheimer said he is a big fan of Blu-ray. He also had a hand in many of the extras on the discs, including the behind-the-scenes explorations of the movie-making process.

“I think the audience likes to see how things are made,” he said.

got this artwork from blu-ray:

NeilNo · « **Reply #203 on:** Aug 01, 2007 at 12:10 AM »

Sony Unleashes Paul Verhoeven's 'Starship Troopers,' 'Hollow Man' on Blu-ray

It'll be a double dose of Paul Verhoeven on high-def when Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings 'Starship Troopers' and 'Hollow Man' to Blu-ray this October.

Though neither film was a blockbuster at the box office, both flicks have garnered a cult audience on video and cable, with each spawning their own direct-to-video sequels (and in the case of 'Starship Troopers,' its own animated series).

Sony will bring both films to Blu-ray on October 16, with each enjoying 1080p transfers and uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround tracks.

Sony has not yet announced supplemental details for either release, but we'll keep you posted.

Retail price is $28.95 each.

'Starship Troopers' and 'Hollow Man' will hit high-def only three weeks after Sony debuts another Verhoeven title, the highly-acclaimed 'Black Book,' which is due for release on Blu-ray September 25.

Mouldingo · « **Reply #204 on:** Aug 01, 2007 at 07:51 AM »

V for Vendetta Coming

If you bought a copy of '300' in Canada today you also got a nice surprise in the form of a insert showing 'V for Vendetta' coming soon for Blu-ray. As one of the titles still missing on Blu-ray from Warner's high definition catalog, it is a welcome addition to their Blu-ray portfolio. No date or specs have been given at this time.

Source

pchin · « **Reply #205 on:** Aug 01, 2007 at 10:42 PM »

Universal to Sow 'Seed of Chucky' on HD DVD

Get ready for everyone's favorite killer doll in high-def, when Universal Studios Home Entertainment unleashes 'Seed of Chucky' on HD DVD this Halloween.

The fifth in the seemingly unstoppable horror franchise, 'Seed of Chucky' will slash its way to HD DVD October 23 in a fully "loaded" special edition full of gory goodies.

Mirroring the standard-def DVD version, supplements include audio commentary with the filmmakers, multiple making-of featurettes, a subtitle trivia track, deleted scene and still gallery.

Specs include a 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer, plus Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround tracks.

Source

pchin · « **Reply #206 on:** Aug 02, 2007 at 10:17 PM »

'Alexander Revisited' Charges to HD DVD, Blu-ray This September

After a six-month delay, Warner Home Video has announced it will at last bring Oliver Stone's 'Alexander: Revisited' to Blu-ray and HD DVD this September.

A critical and commercial bust upon its original theatrical release, Oliver Stone's 'Alexander' has already hit standard-def DVD in two separate versions -- the theatrical version, and a substantially shorter 'Director's Cut.'

Full article

Munskie · « **Reply #207 on:** Aug 03, 2007 at 12:48 PM »

The Big Web Release Date!!!!

October 30

'Spider-Man' Trilogy to Spin Its Web on Blu-ray

pchin · « **Reply #208 on:** Aug 03, 2007 at 06:51 PM »

Dam @#$%* darn...I knew this is gona happen soon.... $:-\$

All BD fans will have all the reasons to rejoice! Congrat to you guys in advance.

Munskie · « **Reply #209 on:** Aug 03, 2007 at 06:57 PM »

Its still a good three months off paul, more time to decide while you sit on the other fence.

Oh by the way, Ive just read an article in highdefdigest, the third generation of Tosh HD DVD players are arriving, even appeared in Amazon as pre-orders, but were pulled out. These are the ToShiba A3, A30 and A35. Rumored to be even cheaper than the previous models...